Autumn Village 2014 News www.nferriby.info

Proposed Boundary Changes In March 2014 Hull City Council established a Commission of Inquiry to consider extending their administrative boundaries into the East Riding. In response, the East Riding of Yorkshire Council (ERYC) resolved to hold a referendum in areas potentially affected by such a Commission. The ballot is to be conducted by ERYC and will take place in September. The question on the ballot will be: “Should the boundaries of Hull City Council be extended to include Elloughton-cum-Brough, Welton, North Ferriby, Swanland, Hessle, Anlaby with Anlaby Common, Kirkella, Willerby, Cottingham, Bilton, Preston and Hedon” (See Map below). A supplementary question will also be asked relating to green spaces between the East Riding and the city of Hull.

The Boundary Commission has the responsibility for looking at boundary issues. It recommends any proposed changes to the Secretary of State for a final decision. In this case, there would be changes to the electoral composition of the councils and both parties would have to be in agreement for the Boundary Commission to undertake a review. At the moment the extent of the proposals of Hull City Council is not clear but transferring a substantial part of Haltemprice and Holderness into the city would take away up to 26% of the total electorate of the East Riding (about 70,000 voters). The ERYC leader has stated that under such circumstances the ERYC would no longer be a viable Local Authority. What will Hull’s Inquiry look at: (it will consider these scenarios)

¡ Creating a north bank council for Hull and the East Riding. ¡ Keeping existing councils but combining certain functions including planning. ¡ Extending the boundary to include a 30 minute Hull travel to work area. ¡ Extending the boundary to include the immediate neighbouring built-up areas of the East Riding. ¡ Merging the officer administrations of Hull and East Riding Councils.

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Hull’s Inquiry will also consider neighbouring town and parish councils having greater responsibilities under a “Greater Hull”. Referendum campaign action group “The Hands Off Campaign” A referendum campaign group has been established, consisting of some concerned ward and parish councillors from the areas, which may be affected by these proposals. The position of North Ferriby Parish Council We have resolved unanimously to oppose any proposal by Hull City Council to extend its boundaries into the East Riding. We consider that this reflects the views of the majority of our residents. The parish council decided against purchasing and distributing campaigning materials from the action group but to use this newsletter to raise awareness of the issue within the village. We do not consider that we have a role in advising the electorate how to vote, however we invite residents to consider the following;

Would you be happy to be a minority part of the larger city as a rural village on the outskirts of a major conurbation?

Do you believe that Hull City Council would give you an improved service over the East Riding Council (ERYC)?

ERYC has not increased the Community Charge for four years. Would you have confidence that Hull City Council would do the same?

As part of Hull would you have the same level of influence at the Guildhall as we do at ERYC currently through our Ward member?

Would the major services for Children & the Elderly such as Education & Social Services be prioritised locally, against the needs of the City?

What would happen to our local library, given that the museums and libraries in Hull are being cut back?

The East Riding Leisure Centre at Haltemprice hopes to be self-financing at no cost to the local taxpayer. Some in Hull are being closed.

Would you be confident that there would be equitable distribution of council tax resources across the whole expanded area?

Would the merger of city and county result in lower management and administrative costs and better-funded front line services?

Would a single county-wide or travel to work area based authority be able to provide better or more co- ordinated services for planning, economic development and regeneration? Bearing in mind the current joint working arrangements through Local Economic Partnerships, should these be provided through merged team working between the present city and county authorities or are the present arrangements better able to represent the diverse nature of the two authorities?

In view of the present Local Economic Partnership arrangements would a single county-wide or travel to work area based authority be better able to compete for resources and investment with other large cities like Leeds, Sheffield and York?

Would any of the scenarios to be considered by the Hull inquiry give a high level of protection to our village character and identity and avoid the merging of our villages? Do the present arrangements do this now? Whatever your views we urge you to participate in the referendum. A low turnout would demonstrate that residents are indifferent and could lead to a result favouring Hull City Council proposals if taken up by the Boundary Commission.

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Tom Harland Commemorative Plaque Following the death of Tom Harland in 2012 at the age of 66, the parish council has been in discussion with his family regarding provision of a suitable memorial to commemorate his life in the village. Tom was a well-liked and respected member of the community and an artist of national renown. He is particularly remembered for his depiction of local landscapes. Born in North Ferriby Tom graduated from Hull Art College in the early 1960s. During 1980 he rebuilt his father Tom’s cobblers shop in Low Street, which many of our older residents will remember, to create a gallery. He held exhibitions at the studio and there was always something of interest displayed in the gallery window to attract passers-by. Tom is greatly missed by us who will remember him walking along the Riverside Walkway in the early morning, observing the changing landscapes of the river Humber. A blue commemorative plaque has now been placed on the wall of his former studio in Low Street.

Neighbourhood Plans Our advice has been sought by residents regarding material that has been circulated in the village relating to Neighbourhood Plans. For clarification:-

Under the relevant legislation, only a Parish or Town Council may establish a Neighbourhood Plan. (In areas where these do not exist this may be undertaken by ”Neighbourhood Forums” who need to be authorised to do so.)

The Parish Council, which has been aware of Neighbourhood Plans for some time, has no plans to establish one

For sound reasons (e.g. cost/relevance) the Parish Council does not believe that such a plan would be of benefit to the village at this time

Any referendum on Neighbourhood Plans is conducted by the Local Authority So that you have a complete and accurate understanding of Neighbourhood Plans, we have published a statement by Chairman of the Parish Council on the Parish Council website, ”News Update” page.

Some properties were affected by the heavy rain on the 10th of August. The Yorkshire Water Emergency Helpline is 0845 124 24 24 or contact the Parish Clerk who will arrange a Highways Department site visit to assess the situation.

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Keep up to date with Ferriby events LOOK ON THE FERRIBY WEBSITE www.nferriby.info Our website is kept fully up to date with the latest Ferriby news and events. Keep an eye on Ferriby Diary - www.ferriby.info/nferribydiary.htm Local organisations are invited to send details of their events for inclusion on the website. join our e-mail up-date list to receive notices by e-mailing: [email protected]

Parish Council Elections - May 2015 Parish Councillors hold office for a period of 4 years. In May 2015 several vacancies will arise on North Ferriby parish council. Would you be interested in becoming a parish councillor? Are you aware of the role of the parish council? The parish council is the tier of local government closest to the people. It is a non-political institution, which represents the whole of its community. It is sensitive to the views and aspirations of those whom it serves. The duties of a Parish Councillor include;

Scrutiny of national and local government policy to ensure that we have an influence that benefits the village

Representing village interests in local planning applications

Planning and supporting capital projects for the benefit of the village e.g. provision of play equipment, restoring the reed pond, the recent doctor’s surgery

Procuring the best services, through partnership working, from outside providers e.g. transport services, ERYC, Environment Agency.

Provision of funding e.g. the Playing Field Committee, Riverside Walkway

North Ferriby’s eleven parish councillors meet regularly to make decisions in the best interests of our community. As an elected councillor you will have a mandate from the electorate who will have entrusted you to act in their best interests. In May 2015 there will be an opportunity for those standing to build on the achievements of our council. Being a councillor is a rewarding way of contributing to your community and ensuring that North Ferriby retains its character and appeal. For further information and an informal chat please contact the Parish Clerk, Pat Lambert on 631 822. - Melton Fields Update - The public inquiry into the application appeal finished on August 8th and the Inspector will make a recommendation to the Secretary of State. It is not known what this will be or when it will take place. The Ferriby Website will provide any further news as soon as it is known.

North Ferriby Village News is published by North Ferriby Parish Council Publisher for this Issue John Mabbett Tel 635 026 e-mail [email protected] Clerk to the Parish Council: Pat Lambert 20 Narrow Lane, North Ferriby, HU14 3EN Tel 631 822 Email [email protected]

Setting & Layout by Graham Latter Deadline for next (Winter) Newsletter - 8th November 2014 Contact Julie Abraham [email protected]

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